Heat Island Modeling and Field Measurements: A Case Study of three sites in Miami, Florida

Abstract Submission: Urban areas are increasingly facing extreme heat challenges, which can be worsened by climate change. This issue requires a deep understanding of the complex interactions between microclimatic factors such as wind patterns and urban heat conditions. This paper explores the use of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, combined with real-time field measurements, to better understand the complex dynamics of microclimatic wind and urban thermal environments. The study focuses on three sites in Miami, Florida: Factory Town in Hialeah, the City of Coral Gables public works site, and the FIU MMC campus. The CFD simulations were performed using OpenFOAM (Open Field Operation and Manipulation). The research aims to develop advanced tools and methods to analyze and mitigate the effects of climate-related phenomena on urban areas. The study's methodology combines three-dimensional CFD modeling with an extensive field study conducted at the three study sites. The CFD models are built using high-resolution data on topography, building structures, and weather conditions. To ensure accuracy, the CFD models are validated against data from a sensor network deployed across the study sites. This dataset includes measurements of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction, recorded every 5 minutes since January 2024. The CFD analysis reveals localized hotspots and areas with increased wind turbulence, offering valuable insights into pedestrian thermal comfort. A key finding of the study is the identification of microscale thermal variations, shaped by the unique urban morphology of the three sites. The models demonstrate how the arrangement and orientation of buildings affect wind flow, leading to pockets of differing thermal conditions. Understanding these microscale variations is essential for designing urban spaces that prioritize comfort and sustainability.

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